No Spending in July ~ Want to save money? We'll help you. Please join us at any time. - Page 3

[mackysmama]

I'm in!

1. Please introduce yourself and tell us anything you think it would help us to know about yourself.

I'm Heather, a SAHM to a 5 yo boy and a 2 yo girl. My partner has a good job and also does extra contract work to provide for us financially. We should have enough money but we end up putting things on the credit card - things we don't need, food we could make at home instead, things that could be gotten for less, etc.

2. Please tell us why you have decided to spend nothing (or spend significantly less) for the Month of July. Memorize these goals and recite them to yourself before all purchases.
We want to move in about a year and I want us to be in very good financial condition when we do. This includes having NO credit card debt, having savings, and doing repairs to our house. I also want to model better financial behavior to our children - spending what we need, delayed gratification, etc. I want to live within our means and I want our spending to reflect our values.

3. No spending is hard work. You need a plan. Please tell us your game plan -- how do you plan to approach no spending for a month?
1) Remove credit cards and debit cards from our wallets. Use the debit card only when needed for gas, groceries, etc. Use budgeted cash for other things.
2) Eat at home. Meal plan to make that easier, stock the freezer.
3) Try to reduce the grocery budget by buying only what we need.
4) Free or low-priced entertainment.
5) NO DRIVE-THRUS!

[meandk0610]

i'm sarah, SAHM to dd(2).

i need to save because we currently don't make enough to pay our bills. my il-laws are loaning us money each month but august is the last month. dh will be getting a promotion in august or september so that should fix it so we can at least pay our own bills (hoping for late july, though). i also want to speed up paying off student loan.

my plan is to track grooceries as well as non-essentials because: we eat organic, i tend to buy stuff on sale, and i eat when stressed so i add to our grocery bill buying unnecessary food. i will be getting better about this because i'm finally starting to admit to myself that i feel like crap when i eat any chocolate. : i will be returning an unopened bag of dark chocolate chips so that's a little money back.

i will be taking dd to petting zoo/pony rides 1x this month so i'm stating up front i'm budgeting 20 for that day.

frugal plan:

go to ap/crunchy/homeschool playgroups within 30 minutes of our house
continue hang/rack drying clothes
keep using fans instead of a/c as much as possible
keep a/c at at least 80 when in use
stick to grocery list!
finally make some family cloth
take some unneeded baby stuff to consignment store (i keep thinking i'll do craigslist but keep putting it off)

sarah

[Om Girl]

Originally Posted by Crunchy*VT*Mom

1. Please introduce yourself and tell us anything you think it would help us to know about yourself.

Hi, I'm Summer, mama to 15 mo DD and DP to Bob the Builder. I'm a student mama/PT WOHM/PT SAHM...does that make sense to you? (Oy vey!) I was on a good roll on the May no spend and fell off the wagon in June...Gettin' back on it in July!

2. Please tell us why you have decided to spend nothing (or spend significantly less) for the Month of July. Memorize these goals and recite them to yourself before all purchases.

DP and I just got pre-approved for our first home and are planning on house hunting like Elmer Fudd until we find our dream house!
GOAL #1 FIND HOUSE
GOAL #2 BUY HOUSE
GOAL #3 PAY OFF ALL DEBT

3. No spending is hard work. You need a plan. Please tell us your game plan -- how do you plan to approach no spending for a month?

Game plan:
packing a picnic for house hunting days
biking to do all errands to save gas for house hunting days
no extraneous spending for the entire month to put more $ towards our DP
only buying essentials at the co-op and shopping local farmers markets
clipping coupons/buying on special for all essential items


So the month hasn't *officially started* So these don't count against me...

The book "Taking Charge of your Fertility" (DP and I are trying to avoid conception and I'm unable to use conventional pharmaceutical BC, and we're not good about condom use :{ so learning to accurately chart is pretty essential, I think? Right?)
and while I was at the bookstore I also purchased the new issue of Mothering...one of these months I'll subscribe (just been waiting to get a permanent address...)

And on Saturday (today I guess) DP promised to buy me an ERGO! : DD has outgrown our other carriers so this is another essential purchase. (But, it's definately a fun one!)
When July 1 hits...I'll be SUPER dedicated...I promise

[Amys1st]

As far as the new Harry Potter book:

Do you have to read it when it comes out??? Can you wait a few days and someone can loan you a copy or put it on reserve at the library??

I figured I would reserve it or get it later on half.com. There will be plenty of readers unloading those in a few weeks.

[J's Mama]

Mamalotusyoga:those expenditures all seem like fine things to me! Esp. Taking Charge of your Fertility!! That's such a great book and a wonderful investment!
So, I went to the local farmer's market today and spent all but $1 of my alloted $50 but it feels GREAT to come home on a sunny Sat. morning with a giant bag full of fresh, organic produce for me and my family!!! I'm making a little extra money this summer so I'm putting aside $50/week for the market!
I'm so excited about this forum!!

[J's Mama]

Matt'sMom: I laughed when I read your response!! You don't have to buy the CRV! But if you really need a car, a Honda seems like a good way to go in the long run! Esp. if you're using money from an inheritence! Or a hybrid maybe? I don't know if Honda makes one. REALLY good for the long run!

[Peacemamalove]

1. Please introduce yourself and tell us anything you think it would help us to know about yourself.
Hi my name is Kelly currently 11 weeks pregnant DH and I have been married 8 years and we have 2 children ages 5 and 2 currently I am not on anything for my Bipolar so spending is a big issue so I really want to try this out!! we are also planning on saving money to build a home next year of course right after the arrival of baby #3

2. Please tell us why you have decided to spend nothing (or spend significantly less) for the Month of July. Memorize these goals and recite them to yourself before all purchases.

1. DH and I are trying to save money to build a house
2. with baby #3 on the way we need to start saving some money
3. knowing that I can accomplish something
4. null

3. No spending is hard work. You need a plan. Please tell us your game plan -- how do you plan to approach no spending for a month?

well we only have one car and days I want to do something I usually bring him to work. Since those are the days I usually spend the most I will just try to find things to do around here that don't involve spending money...other than on necessities (sp) ..

[Daisie125]

1. Please introduce yourself and tell us anything you think it would help us to know about yourself.
I'm Dawn, SAHM to D (3.30.06) and due with a baby girl at the end of Sept. We are buying our first home (we close & take possession July 13th).


2. Please tell us why you have decided to spend nothing (or spend significantly less) for the Month of July. Memorize these goals and recite them to yourself before all purchases.

As I said above, we are buying our first home. We have no extra money set aside to decorate or paint. So we are going to have to cut back everywhere else to be able to do that. Most of my non-spending will be done in the first half of the month, while I will be spending a lot in the second half, but that IS the goal.


3. No spending is hard work. You need a plan. Please tell us your game plan -- how do you plan to approach no spending for a month?

I plan to plan ahead! I'd say 80% of our excess spending is on convenience. This needs to stop. No more fast food, no more buying something just to replace something that could have been fixed, etc.

[brooktosea]

I am a SAHM of a 4 year daughter and a 7 month old son. We own a seasonal business and only get paid once a year. Basicaly in the fall after all the bills are paid we look to see what is left over for us. I do a yearly budget based on our bills and expenses. Its tough to stick to it. Because I don't factor in the small spending that I don't want to do. The budget breakers is what I need help with. I need to stop the small spending to help keep myself on budget. Plus I really want to go see my friend in Hawaii who is also on here (thanks for telling me about it beachlivnmom.)

So my goals are to not spend money on anything that is not already part of the budget. UGh. I'll need help with ideas for things like those spur of the momment birthday parties that my daughter is always being invited too. Maybe she can make some gifts.

I also have trouble not buying bottled water when we are away from the house. I want to work on always packing some drinking water. I already keep PBJ in the car and crackers.

My goal is to not only stop any frivoulous spending that isn't part of my budget but also change my lifestyle so that it doesn't feel like second nature anymore.

[ErikaLeigh]

1. Please introduce yourself and tell us anything you think it would help us to know about yourself.
I'm Erika. I'm a FT college student and work FT. We hit some rough spots in debt and are needing to get it cleared up. We both work, but things are just tight.


2. Please tell us why you have decided to spend nothing (or spend significantly less) for the Month of July. Memorize these goals and recite them to yourself before all purchases.
We have debt that has to be paid off soon. It would be nice to just be debt free from my mother. We only moved out last May and moving out cost us more than we were prepared for. My mother helped us out, but we have to repay her.

3. No spending is hard work. You need a plan. Please tell us your game plan -- how do you plan to approach no spending for a month?


NO eating out. Meal Planning. Giving a 24 hour waiting period and discussing WHY we need it and WHY we can't deal without it.

[TRIBE]

Originally Posted by Amys1st

As far as the new Harry Potter book:

Do you have to read it when it comes out??? Can you wait a few days and someone can loan you a copy or put it on reserve at the library??

I figured I would reserve it or get it later on half.com. There will be plenty of readers unloading those in a few weeks.

No I don't have to read it my DH does and he is super fanatic about it so yeah we buy it as soon as it comes out and he stays up all night reading.

Originally Posted by brooktosea

I'll need help with ideas for things like those spur of the momment birthday parties that my daughter is always being invited too. Maybe she can make some gifts.

I also have trouble not buying bottled water when we are away from the house. I want to work on always packing some drinking water. I already keep PBJ in the car and crackers.

For birthday parties my kids have been decorating cards with a gift certificate inside. The cert is good for one playdate/activity of the birthday childs choice with your child. Within reason and expense of course. It's been a huge hit so far at the parties we have done this with.

I am a bottled water drinker too, vitamin water especially as I get sick drinking plain water. So this month will be a huge challenge not buying any of those and drinking plain water. Maybe buying a special water bottle for myself and the kids will help since I usually take juice boxes or capri suns in the car with us.

[CandyApple]

Ok - I'll jump in this month!

1. Me: Amanda, mama to 2 little boys, almost 2 and almost 4. Dh is a farmer and I teach during the school year, SAHM during the summer.

2. Reasons: Immediate -- in August we'll go 3 weeks between paychecks(instead of 2), while my school shifts the payroll. Its not a dire emergency for us, but I'd like to have enough saved by then to not feel a pinch.

Long Term- All of our current debt is on track to be paid off by February. Then we'll be in the black for everything except our low intrest mortgage. I'd love to not add any more time to that date.

3. Plan: *I got all the "summer projects" materials last month. I need to finish those and not start any new ones (that require $$) this month.
*Stick to the budget for Clay's birthday.
*Question every purchase not on my list! We've been decluttered for a few months, and I'm loving the results. Yet, since I have more time to shop now, I find myself "needing" things that I know we can do without.
*Convince dh that we don't need several of the larger purchases we're considering this month.

[meandk0610]

Originally Posted by Amys1st

As far as the new Harry Potter book:

Do you have to read it when it comes out??? Can you wait a few days and someone can loan you a copy or put it on reserve at the library??

I figured I would reserve it or get it later on half.com. There will be plenty of readers unloading those in a few weeks.

i'm buying one as a christmas present for my mom. my bro and i got her the rest of them last year (and i borrow them as soon as she's done). BUT, i will be using a gift card that my mom gave me for my birthday last month. hopefully, i'll be able to get something for me too.

sarah

[Om Girl]

Dawn and Kelly I know how you feel about the new houses! We're so excited and nervous all at the same time!

Amanda and Erika Go mama, being debt free is our goal too!

Brooktosea Hawaii vacation sounds great! The water bottle thing we bought DD and myself Sigg bottles and we have a filtered pitcher in the fridge. I just really try and fill them up before we leave.

Tribe Great idea for kid's birthday party gifts! I'll have to remember that.

[brooktosea]

The Book Taking Charge of your fertility is excelent. I used it both to get pregnant and not get pregnant afterwards. Its great. And in keeping with the no spending this month idea the charting is free. Your not out buying birth control.

I just wrote a check for my nieces graduation present and that should be the last thing I need to do tonight before I wake up in the morning and its July 1st.

I like the gift certificate idea for little kids. Does anyone else have an idea?

I'm going to try to walk early every morning this month even in the rain. A lot of my friends just bought Gym memberships. If I can get out there and do that then I'll save money and get fresh air at the same time.

[TRIBE]

Ok I just did my last shopping trip and probably spent too much but *most* of it was needed. Since we are buying a new home & jst made a move to west coast from east coast we got rid of a lot of things. So I now have 2.5 bths to buy for. I figure I can do 1 bathroom per payday and be ok.

So at Target I got : 4 coordinating bathtowels, 2 handtowels and 2 washcloths, toothbrush holder, bath mat, decorative shower curtain and curtain liner, curtain hooks.
the 2 girls got a $10 toy each plus 2 dance ribbons for outside (all of our stuff is still in storage so they have nothing but my friends kids toys to play with) and a bouncy ball for outside.
I got a laundry hamper so we can stop putting our dirty clothes in an old navy shopping bag it was only $2.50 so a good deal. Some grocery items. i did get a 12 pack of vitamin water as they were on sale for less than $1 each. Kids cups with straws for on the road drinks.

And as a splurge for my ds who has noone here is age to play with and my friends son is not so willing to share I got him a used gameboy advance sp and 1 game.

I do need 2 knitting needles for the skirts I am planning to knit my 2 DD's but I am going to wait on those until I get the money from the sale of my van as well as a special yarn to knit a gift for my realtor who has been really awesome in the hunting and buying of our new home. And of course the HP book for my DH. I wish they sold books at best buy since I have a $12 gift card to there and that would help cut the cost of that book.

So I think I am ready to start the challenge tomorrow I am very nervous. Being stuck in someone elses home makes it way too easy to go out and shop or browse online and oops buy something so it's going to be interesting to say the least!

[Beachlivnmom]

Brooktosea Good idea on the walking. I'll start also except Tues when we go to friends house for playgroup. Walking sat morning will keep me away from the yard sales!

I am off to buy a 5 gallon H2O container so we can refill it instead of buying the individual H2O bottles and my last smoothie for a month.

[Om Girl]

Originally Posted by TRIBE

I wish they sold books at best buy since I have a $12 gift card to there and that would help cut the cost of that book.

!

Our local Best Buy does sell books! Call yours and find out! It might not have them at midnight, but you never know!
P.S. Thanks for the PM!

Ok so last day to splurge! (We got the ERGO and after 10 minutes I decided I HATE it so upset...we're gonna return it and I've gotta find something else)
We ate out tonight to help a friend cheer up...he was gonna propose to his gf on the 4th of July and close on their house this month (July) and last night she told him she cheated! So beers to commiserate with him tonight

[TRIBE]

ooh I will have to find out. I don't have to be there at midnight other than for the fun and games, dh is deployed and won't be in until after it hits the shelves! Amazon is selling it pre-order for $17 and retail it's $35 so...I might save more getting it from Amazon, except of course I want to buy other books...but best buy would be bad to go in to too...Oy Vey!

Have you tried an onbuhimo? I have one and while we don't really use it enough to justify the cost since I am a hardcore sling girl, it is great for when I need dd on my back and out of my arms. It's certainly cheaper than an ergo. Or whatabout a wrap? thebabywearer.com has a TP with a ton of selections constantly.

Sorry to hear about your friend

[Om Girl]

Originally Posted by TRIBE

Have you tried an onbuhimo? I have one and while we don't really use it enough to justify the cost since I am a hardcore sling girl, it is great for when I need dd on my back and out of my arms. It's certainly cheaper than an ergo. Or whatabout a wrap? thebabywearer.com has a TP with a ton of selections constantly.

Tried wraps, DD will not tolerate them...and I can't tolerate all that fabric. We had an Ellaroo that I just RAOK gifted to another mama. Haven't tried an onbu...hmmm...DH claims that he LOVES the ergo and asked me to give it another try. We haven't returned it yet...